Kazinda faces fresh trial over fraud

Geoffrey Kazinda (L) and his lawyer Anthony Wameli at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala yesterday. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA.

Kampala

Jailed former principal accountant in the Office of the Prime Minister Geoffrey Kazinda is set to face a second trial in connection with fraud in less than a year.

Mr Kazinda was sentenced to five years in prison last June for forging the signature of the then permanent secretary, Mr Pius Bigirimana. Mr Kazinda, now charged jointly with three other officials of the OPM, is facing charges of alleged embezzlement and fraud.

Others include, the commissioner for relief, disaster preparedness and management, Mr John Owor, Ms Beatrice Kezabu (assistant resettlement officer) and businessman Hussein Katumwa, the station manager of Total Fuel Station Ntinda.

The group appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Ms Sarah Langa of the Anti-Corruption Division, yesterday who set March 12 for hearing of prosecution witnesses.

Prosecution alleges that the trio falsely made accountability for Shs316 million for the financial year 2019/11, which money was entrusted to them for procurement of fuel and lubricant for vehicles delivering relief food items to various areas.